Catalog Archive
Auction 196, Lot 290

"Nova Hispania Nova Galicia Guatimala", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Mexico & Central America

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 11.4 inches
35.6 x 29 cm
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Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

This well-engraved map, based on the cartography of Hessel Gerritsz, includes Mexico through Costa Rica with nice detail. It also includes the U.S. Gulf Coast, southwest Florida, and a bit of Cuba with less detail. The large pictorial cartouche depicts Native Americans loading goods for a European merchant.

References:

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a sheet with a jester watermark and light foxing.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $240

Closed on 2/7/2024

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